Calls for restrictions on new dog licences for lawbreakers in Limerick

A COUNCILLOR has called for people to be denied further dog licences if they breach the conditions of their existing licence.

Kevin Sheahan made his comments during a debate on the control of dogs in Limerick.

“We have certain sections of the community in west Limerick, and they seem to have dogs when the sun goes down. They seem to have no dogs in the hours of daylight. It’s a situation which needs to be investigated,” said the Askeaton-based councillor.

“People should be denied the right to obtain a licence for their dogs if they are in breach of the rules once. They should never be allowed to be licensed again,” added Cllr Sheahan.

Every person who owns a dog over four months old requires a licence, apart from in very specific circumstances.

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The comments come as council members resolved to contact both the Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue and Justice Minister Helen McEntee requesting that new legislation be put in place relating to dogs entering onto private lands.

This is in order to “prevent distress to farmers, owners and their animals to counteract dog fouling,” according to the motion which was signed by the seven members of the Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District

Fine Gael councillor John Egan, a farmer by trade, said: “Some people who have pets, there is one thing they are not doing, they are not taking responsibility for looking after their dogs. They are not taking any responsibility for the damage these dogs cause. It's only a couple of days ago since stray dogs came into our place and did a desperate amount of damage to our sheep.”

Independent councillor Brigid Teefy added: “There is a big issue with stray dogs. We have dogs hunting. There are a lot of issues with landowners. Dog fouling is another issue - on footpaths, parks and everything. The legislation needs to be stronger as it's not there at the moment. Dog wardens can't do too much, and the gardai don't have enough powers. I hope this motion triggers something.”

Instances where a dog licence is not required include if the animal is under four months old and still with their mother, and Guide Dogs.